★
All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be
reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express
written permission of the author except for the use of brief
quotations in a book review.

★
Bookcast Edition - April 2012

★
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events
and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or
used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living
or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Chapter VIII

Nous Sommes Du Soleil

« This place shall be known as the Foremost. Nowhere else are my
spirits uplifted in such a striking way. In the cold, damp darkness
of this cave, I hear the will of the cosmos, and feel like I am one
with the light of the stars. »
– Excerpted from the Instructions of the Founder of the
Luminous on the Preparation of the Temple (translated from
the Kõrgi original)

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R

ahu Lüli could hardly believe it . Kasulik Sõber was leading him inside the mountain. The

elder had come to wake him up in person, while most of the other religious were still asleep in
the monastery. He would be allowed to enter and finally witness what only a privileged few could
experience. He had been chosen to join the initiates. From his studies of the Kirjast, he knew it meant
that the Valgustatud, the Enlightened Ones, had selected him to fulfil a task of crucial import, about
which he knew nothing. And despite ardent efforts to recall peculiar signs or visions from his recent
dreams and meditations, he couldn't guess anything of what would be required of him. He had often
discussed the question with Kiire Õppija, with whom he so enjoyed talking, but the girl didn't know
any more than him whatever happened beyond the entrance, located higher on the side of the hill.
They both knew the inductees were sworn to secrecy under penalties of muteness, amnesia, and in
some cases, even paralysis. But that was about the whole extent of their awareness of the matter.
The young monk had seen with his own almond-shaped, dark brown eyes some of those who
had attempted to disclose the mysteries of the Tähtsaim. First, they had suddenly become confused as
they had started to relate their stories. Then, seemingly having great difficulty to utter even a single
word, their throats hurting and burning, they had slowly lost their voices, forced to silence for weeks
and even quarters on end in some instances. And once their ability to speak had ultimately returned,
they had been unable to recollect their visits to the temple. In similar fashion, those who intended to
communicate with gestures would lose motility, regaining it only as memories vanished. Just prior to
being exposed, drawings and written accounts would incomprehensibly disappear or be destroyed,
often by natural causes, regardless of the precautions taken to protect them. Pictures wouldn't come
out right, recordings would be irremediably crippled by noise, and devices would generally behave
erratically. Remarkable events inevitably occurred whenever somebody would want to reveal what
they had discovered in the secluded place.
The apprentice didn't have the faintest idea of what awaited him. He knew that successfully
discharging the duty the Enlightened Ones had picked out for him would alter his life forever. That
was his chance to join the Väljavalitud, the Chosen Ones, the monastics who could come and go in
and out of the mountain. The Valgustatud had elected them to uphold the tradition. Respected by all,
they were considered the most precious jewels of the cloister. Each and every boy and girl who had
painstakingly travelled the long and so exacting way up to the high-perched building to undergo the
training aspired to that status.
On that otherwise ordinary, grey and cloudy morning, a thin layer of snow was still covering
the ground. It seemed to the novice that the coldness was more biting than usual. He mused that he
should have kept his hair longer, instead of having it shaved off as most of his cenobite peers. It had
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grown back, but just scarcely. The cut made his ears look overly big and wide, but it made him feel
part of the community. As his guide and him were getting near the entryway to the sacred site, their
warm breath forming little white puffs in the air, the teenager reflected that he had never climbed to
this height before. Not only had he been following the rules to the letter and stayed outside, he had
avoided taking even a simple peek inside the unguarded hole in the hillside. He had gazed at it from
down below, and he had watched the Väljavalitud pass in and out of it, and it had been sufficient to
appease his curiosity.
–

« Hurry ! Hurry, young boy ! » exclaimed the bald, bearded man, staring from up above at
his struggling companion, « we must not delay, the Valgustatud can't begin without us ! »
he warned in an amused tone.

The pupil lifted his head to glance up the steep trail and saw the venerable monk turn around
and walk out of his field of vision. He wished not to disappoint the elder, but he was exhausted, and
the mere thought of taking another step was barely bearable. The relatively brief ascension reminded
him of the gruelling journey up to the monastery, and how the deformity to his knee had made the
already perilous feat even more demanding.
« Hurry ! » Kasulik Sõber shouted again from within the mountainside, « you don't want
to be in here all alone, do you ? » he laughed mischievously.
Fearing the possibility, Rahu Lüli suddenly felt a burst of energy and found the strength for
the ultimate effort he needed to make in order to catch up. He instinctively knew he could trust the
learned religious. In his presence, he always experienced that same uplifting sentiment, that distinct
impression of being elevated into a safer, more providential world. The Scriptures told that certain
individuals were in fact deities, working among the living, assisting them and shielding them from
misfortunes. He wasn't sure whether or not his teacher was one such benevolent entity, but no one
else in the community better matched the criteria.
Reaching the entrance, the apprentice was relieved that his guide had waited for him. But he
was mostly amazed to observe that there wasn't much to be observed. They were standing in a dark,
unfurnished cave, wherein they had to bend slightly as the ceiling was rather low. Further towards
the back of the cramped place, there was even less headroom. Stranger still, the novice couldn't see a
way forward. The only exit to the tiny chamber was the one they had gone in through. Manifestly,
they were facing a dead-end. And so, after having quickly examined the diminutive enclosed space,
he turned to the other monastic with an expression that left no doubt as to his confusion.
« It will all become clearer very soon » chuckled the elder, « but first, you must vow never
to try to reveal to anyone in the outside world, any aspect, regardless of its importance to
you, of what you'll experience beyond this hall » he announced in a grave voice, « should
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you break your vow, you will remain unable to communicate any detail of this experience,
in any way whatsoever, until you let go of the memories » he added in a similarly solemn
manner.
The teenager stayed quiet as he recalled the terrifying condition of those who had tried and
failed. Having little choice but to resort to the liberation mantra from the Kirjast, they recited it over
and over in their mind, day after day after day, hoping for sound to finally come out of their lips. And
he couldn't ignore the sad case of Jonnakas Truu, who couldn't move by himself and had to be taken
care of by the religious. According to the ancients, the audacious man had declared beforehand that
he would not free himself using the esoteric syllables should he suffer from muteness or paralysis.
Instead, he would hold on to the recollections, if only to determine the limits of the spell. { I've never
heard Jonnakas Truu speak } Rahu Lüli reflected in apprehension.

–
–
–

« Hurry ! Hurry, young boy ! » once more repeated Kasulik Sõber, chortling again, as the
apprentice was silent.
« Ahem... okay » tersely accepted the pupil, visibly unsettled.
« To take the vow, just say Ma Teen Vanduma » the guide instructed.
« Ma... Teen... Van-du-ma » hesitantly uttered the novice, regretful that he hadn't already
begun to study the ancestral Kõrgi language, as ever since the instauration of the Uniform
Education System most children of the federated countries were receiving the same formal
education, which was given in Standard International Ovelian.

As the teenager pronounced the words, the learned monastic smiled optimistically and started
to walk towards the back of the cave. As he advanced, his weight seemingly triggered the lowering of
the central section of the rough floor which was slowly tilting down at the far end, rumbling noisily.
Covering about one third of the width of the narrow chamber and almost all of its length, the ramp
was leading to a dimly lit flight of stairs.
–

« Follow me ! » emphatically enjoined the teacher as he headed into the tunnel, stopping
briefly to glance at his immobile trainee, « hurry ! Hurry, young boy ! » he urged again,
before resuming his descent.

Rahu Lüli couldn't think of anything as he went downwards, obsessed by what he would find
at the bottom of the spiralling staircase that was taking them further and further into the heart of the
mountain. Trying as he might to concentrate he still had no idea of what could be awaiting him, no
glimpses, no images, nothing at all, only the awareness of the question, and of himself being unable
to focus on an answer. The rumbling echoed once again, and as he guessed that it must have been the
temporary passage closing in the distance behind them, he became conscious of the environment at
last. He wondered who could have ever constructed such an elaborate stairwell, and how could there
be burning torches alongside the walls to light up the way. { Who takes care of the torches ? I've never
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noticed anyone bringing oil with them up the hill ! } he pondered, perplexed. He was ever engrossed in
practical considerations when a fleeting vision suddenly demanded his attention. He was recognizing
the Väljavalitud, all gathered in a large room. And at the same time, chanting became audible, rising
from below them, and he could feel they were approaching their destination.
« Remember to keep your voice down » whispered the elder, turning to his guest as they
neared the few remaining steps, « I will explain whatever unfolds so you can understand
what is happening » he ensured in a friendly manner, « don't be afraid to ask me anything
if you're in doubt » he ultimately encouraged his pupil.
Too impressed to speak, the apprentice simply nodded in agreement as he peered ahead. The
vertical corridor was opening on a much more illuminated and slightly broader hall into which they
proceeded.
« Welcome to the Tähtsaim ! » announced the venerable religious in a softened tone as
they reached the entrance of an unexpectedly vast natural underground amphitheater, the
novice staying silent, awed by the spectacle offering itself to his eyes, « the first ever Suur
Usujuht found this place many, many generations ago » the hazel eyed guide mentioned
soon after, « the legend says he used to isolate himself here to meditate and write down
the insights that would be thus revealed to him » he continued admiringly, « his writings
eventually became what we now know as the Kirjast, the Scriptures » he noted with an
appreciative grin.
The teenager was listening intently as he gazed at the sensational surroundings. In the middle
of the chamber, which was also its lowest point, he could see a circular arena. Its floor was covered in
dark rock tiles, except for seven unevenly spaced concentric circles which had been traced in a paler
mineral. The inner circle seemed about as big as the height of a tall man, while the widest was almost
the same size as the central area itself. Enclosing this stage, he counted a series of seven ascending
rows of seats that had been carved directly from the rocky ground. The ceiling was conical in shape
and imposingly high, and at its apex it was apparently turning into some sort of narrow cylindrical
chimney, or at least that's what it looked like from where he was standing.
« He was then instructed to recruit those who would seek him and show interest in his
writings » resumed the knowledgeable teacher, « together, they were required to build a
monastery, and convert this mountain cave into a temple, following the extraordinarily
accurate plans that he had drawn » he went on pensively, « he dedicated his remaining
years to the achievement of those endeavours » he finally observed with evident respect.
The boy was fascinated by the uncanny location. He was transported by the distinctive, strong
yet pleasant perfume wafting from the twenty-two cauldrons of burning oil which were distributed
evenly around the upper level of seating, providing more than sufficient lighting for the entire room.
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At his feet was a stairway, also cut in the stone, that descended to the arena, and in front of it was a
similar staircase leading up to a second door situated diametrically opposite to the vantage point of
the two monastics. The amphitheater was thus completely symmetrical, split into identical halves by
the flights of stairs.
« Before he died » the elder carried on, « having successfully accomplished his duties » he
stressed as he glanced at this interlocutor, « he had additional visions compelling him to
select the monks and nuns most devoted to their studies, who had mastered the practices
and precepts of the Kirjast » he patiently recounted, « and with them, he established the
Ühendamist, the Connecting, the ceremony we are attending this morning » Kasulik Sõber
declared, « through this ritual, they would be able to foresee the future, and prepare for
the coming of other Suur Usujuhtide, and for the eventual advent of the Suurepärane Giid,
the Great Master who would have the power to bring lasting peace to the whole world »
he ultimately stated.
Just as the venerable man was done with the explanation, six nuns and four monks walked
into the vast chamber via the distant hallway. The ten religious were dressed in dark purple robes,
and each of them held an old-fashioned notebook, made of bound sheets of paper. The chanting still
resounded, and the trainee reckoned that it had to echo from where the group had emerged.

–

–

« They are the Tõlkiji Luuletajad » whispered the teacher, « they are the ones who write
down the revelations of the Kaksikud, and at the end of the rite they will compare their
records and compose the official Transcript » he pointed out as each of the purple-robed
scribes went their separate ways to sit on their own in the large room.
« Who are the Kaksikud ? » asked the pupil, quieting down in mid-sentence, startled by
the loudness of his question which he had supposed would be hushed enough, yet, as if
the temple had amplified it, it had attracted the attention of some of the transcribers.
« Follow me ! » enjoined the guide, indicating the row of seats right below them, « let's sit
first » he suggested at once.

Rahu Lüli complied and sat between the elder and the stairs. As he did, he noticed a woman
wearing an off-white garment enter through the second doorway. She hastened down the steps and
halted in the middle of the stage, in the inner circle. Uniting her hands in front of her, she bent her
head slightly, and stood silently for a moment. The apprentice kept watching her, and after a while,
the learned monastic resumed his narration, the nun turning to her left and slowly proceeding to the
lowest rocky bench in the meantime.
« The Kaksikud will follow soon » Kasulik Sõber assured, smiling, « she is the Arbuja, the
Soothsayer » he continued in a softened tone, « she will interpret the Transcript based on
her impressions during the Connecting » he noted, gazing at the white-robed lady.
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Then, quantity of religious, all dressed in the reddish-brown garment traditionally donned by
the residents of the cloister, arrived in the amphitheater from both halls. The teenager peered around
at the spectators gradually filling up the seating, seeing some familiar faces, and it suddenly occurred
to him that he couldn't recognize many of them. Considering that the most advanced members of the
community generally tended to be particularly reclusive, he could readily imagine that he still hadn't
met a few of them. Yet, he was greatly puzzled by the number of strangers. { Who are they ? Where do
they come from ? } he wondered, dumbfounded.
« Those are potentials Väljavalitud, just like you are » observed the teacher, « either they
have successfully discharged their duties, or they are attending the ceremony in the hopes
of gaining clarity regarding how it can be done » he asserted, pausing for an instant as his
young student looked at the gathering crowd with curiosity, « in time, some will become
Translators, others will replace the Kaksikud, and one of them, maybe you, will take my
place as Gatekeeper » he remarked, grinning at the trainee.
Captivated by all he was discovering, the boy felt a heightening of sensitivity, his experience
seeming more vivid, more real, more meaningful. Scanning the chamber, staring with admiration at
everyone and everything, he eventually heard a small bell ring, the high note resounding loudly in
the guttiform venue. Soon after, six more nuns and four more monks walked inside the temple from
the distant door. Wearing pale yellow robes, they descended the flight of stairs towards the arena,
chanting all the while.
« The Kaksikud » declared the venerable man in a hushed voice, « the Twins » he clarified
immediately, « they're the ones who will convey the revelations of the Enlightened » he
stressed solemnly, manifestly deeming the task to be most important, « they will speak in
the ancient tongue, and the Tõlkiji Luuletajad will translate as they transcribe what they
say » he ultimately announced.
Rahu Lüli listened with attention as he witnessed the ten yellow-garbed monastics reach their
respective places on the stage. The first one down the steps, a monk, sat in meditation position in the
innermost circle. Each Twin who followed him sat on the next available ring of dark stones, in the
same posture, facing the center of the room, until the eighth chanter, a nun, went all the way across
to seat herself outside the seventh and outermost perimeter marked in paler tiles. Another nun, the
ninth Kaksikud, sat near the fourth Twin, a man, in his circle. And finally, the tenth and last religious
dressed in yellow, the sixth woman, joined the monk in the middle of the arena. Once in meditation
position, she chimed the golden bell she carried with her, and at the distinctive tone the ten sitting
cenobites simultaneously stopped their choir. The harmonies echoed under the big conical dome for a
while, and then that same nun began talking in Kõrgi. Although he could discern some of the words,
the apprentice again wished he had been more familiar with the ancestral language. He turned to the
elder, expecting him to explain what was going on and to interpret what the lady was saying, but the
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wise guide simply gazed at his pupil, putting his forefinger to his own lips, then to his eye, and then
his ear, and the teenager understood he was being instructed to remain silent, and to concentrate on
the ritual. As she completed her address, the nun sounded the bell once more.
–

« Palun juhtida meid ! » the Twins responded all at the same time, with amazing accuracy,
just as a well rehearsed troupe would have.

The boy knew that the group had asked the Enlightened for guidance. And as unanticipated as
the spectacle had been up to that point, nothing could have prepared him for what was about to come
next. Each at their own pace, the Kaksikud started to levitate and to slowly revolve around the first
yellow-robed monastic, as if orbiting the Twin who was floating motionless over the central circle.
They all stayed at about two meters from the ground, except for the bell-carrying woman who rose
high above everybody else in the amphitheater.
Rahu Lüli had heard many accounts of advanced practitioners who, after years and years of
dedicated training in seclusion, could levitate at will. But he had never seen anyone actually achieve
the feat, and thus he had never really believed such a thing was possible, deciding instead that the
stories were meant as incentives for the novices to persevere in their pursuits. And however floored
he was by the astonishing sight, he still felt keen to acquire the capacity. Eye-opening in themselves,
the demonstrations were the best proofs that his faith was founded after all. { None of the signs I've
received before have been that convincing ! } he mused in awe.
The young man stared at the Kaksikud as they moved for some while, eventually halting in no
specific alignment, at least, not in one he could recognize. Only the one nun watching the assembly
from above kept in motion, hovering here and there, as if she were supervising the entire ceremony.
Then, some of the Twins uttered short phrases in the ancient tongue, most of them speaking in turn,
as if engaged in a dialogue, and sometimes in perfect synchronism with one or more of their peers.
Always in rhythm, they all took part in what the apprentice thought was an expertly choreographed,
masterfully executed, and oddly inspiring performance. He couldn't make sense of the conversation,
yet he very much appreciated the whole scene, and before he could tire of having no idea what the
religious were talking about, they all descended back to the rock-tiled surface, retaining their sitting
posture, in no particular order, at least, not in one he could recognize. The lady apparently directing
the action was the last to return to her original position in the middle of the stage, ringing her bell
again as she reached her place.
« Aitäh Valgustatud » the Kaksikud replied in another resounding choir.
The teenager guessed they had thanked the Enlightened Ones. The conducting woman made
one final statement in the ancestral language, and chimed the bell as she finished. The Twins then
resumed their intonations, stood up, and retraced their steps up the staircase, following the reverse
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sequence in which they had arrived into the arena. As they exited the temple through the door from
where they had entered, the purple-garbed Translator Poets gathered and sat nearby the Soothsayer
to exchange notes and discuss their transcripts. For an instant, the boy had the impression that the
ritual was over. However, the audience remained silent and seated, and so he assumed that further
developments awaited him, although he couldn't imagine precisely what lay in store.
–

« The Arbuja will be summoning you soon » announced Kasulik Sõber to his pupil, who,
realizing what was about to occur, clearly conveyed his apprehensions with a quick glance
at his interlocutor, « don't worry » immediately chuckled the Gatekeeper, « just go to her
when she invites you, and listen to her » he instructed in a warm, low voice, « you'll do
just fine » he ensured with a confident grin.

Calmed to a certain extent by the encouraging words, Rahu Lüli nodded in agreement as he
gazed at the huddle of whispering scribes, anticipating his moment. The harmonious chanting echoed
under the lofty dome as the minutes passed. He supposed that the nun would tell him the details of
the task he had been selected for, and he fancied that it would be something exceptional, something
that would set him apart from all the other initiates, something that would necessarily afford him the
respect of the entire community. The Tõlkiji Luuletajad quieted down, and the lady robed in white
rose and walked to the center of the stage where she joined her hands in front of her, concentrating
for a while before addressing the crowd in a solemn manner.
–

« Väljavalitud, as you all know, as Arbuja I am able to interpret some of the revelations
the Valgustatud offer us via the Kaksikud » the graceful woman began, « but only one of
the Suur Usujuhtide, the Great Spiritual Leaders, can completely decipher the rhymes of
the Enlightened Ones » she explained pensively, « and only when we are guided by one of
those blessed beings is it possible to contact one of the Suurepärane Giidid » she reminded
the spectators.

The young monk focused intently on the Soothsayer, increasingly overwhelmed by the feeling
that he was about to be thrust into the heart of an adventure that could turn out to be much bigger
than him.
« This morning, I have good news for you » the Arbuja carried on, « the Valgustatud have
good news for us ! » she declared, slightly louder, and in a more cheerful tone, pausing to
let the suspense build, « they have informed us that the identity of the next Suur Usujuht
has been determined ! » she then affirmed, provoking great agitation in the room, « for
many years now, we have been hoping for someone to lead us » the nun mentioned once
the reactions had subsided, « most of us were not born when the previous Suur Usujuht
left us, but our wishes have not been vain, and our hopes may be about to be fulfilled »
she submitted with contagious fervour, and once more, at her statement the assembly had
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become excited, the religious looking at one another, many manifesting their contentment
audibly while a few others were frowning in misgiving, most of them generally rejoicing
at the promising proclamation, « a novice is among us today » the lady observed, staring
at the apprentice, « Rahu Lüli, please stand up and join me » she ultimately requested.
Startled at first upon hearing his name, the teenager was paralysed by fear. Struggling with
himself for a seemingly interminable instant, he finally got up.
–

–

–
–

« Hurry ! Hurry, young boy ! » whispered the grinning Gatekeeper, leaning towards his
pupil and gently pushing him with one hand, eventually forcing him into motion, « it'll be
alright » he assured as the student wearing the traditional reddish-brown clothing climbed
down the stairs and limped to the middle of the arena.
« Young one, the Valgustatud have asked you to perform a task for them » the Arbuja said
as the novice reached her, « if you accept, you'll have to attend the Ühendamist every time
we are summoned by the Enlightened, until the details of your mission are clear to you »
she went on, smiling comfortingly, « and you'll have to complete this task successfully »
she stressed, the apprentice gazing at her with uncertainty, wondering if he should reply
immediately or wait for a direct question, and just as he was getting ready to consent, the
nun resumed her speech, « if you refuse, you'll be asked to leave the Tähtsaim right away,
and never come back unless the Valgustatud require your help again » she insisted in an
almost threatening manner.
« I accept » tentatively uttered the nervous teenager, noticing that the Soothsayer hadn't
anticipated his answer.
« Should you fail in your endeavour » the woman continued after a brief hesitation, « you
won't have another chance of joining the Chosen Ones in your present incarnation » she
warned the boy who was slowly realizing the significance of the unfolding moment, « but
you will be allowed to pursue your training at the monastery » she ensured, stopping as if
expecting him to respond, but given the effect of his prior intervention, the new initiate
had elected to stay silent until the need to talk would be unmistakable, « young man, the
Enlightened Ones want you to find the next Suur Usujuht » announced the white-garbed
lady in a grave voice, following the slight indecision, « and to arrange for the Väljavalitud
to receive the instruction of this Great Leader » she added, once more provoking much
exhilaration throughout the audience, « you understand this must take place right here in
the Tähtsaim, of course » she lastly reminded the monk.

Upon learning the nature of his challenge, Rahu Lüli had experienced a host of mixed feelings.
He was satisfied that the Enlightened had entrusted him with the responsibility, and he could readily
recognize its crucial importance. Yet, he was acutely aware of what a possible letdown would mean
to the whole community. Could he merely refuse ? Who knew when the monastery would be offered
such an exceptional opportunity again ? { I can't just decline and run out. I can't abandon them, they've
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taken care of me so generously. I can't refuse ! } he pondered. That was his great occasion to shine, he
couldn't miss it. He couldn't disappoint. He couldn't fail. { How hard can it be anyways ? The cloister
isn't that big... we're not that many in the community } he reckoned, encouraged.
« Before you tell us of your intentions » the Arbuja carried on, « you have to know that
you can ask for the advice of any of the Chosen Ones, as you see fit » she informed the
novice, « but at all times, you must obey the rules of the Tähtsaim and stay true to your
vow, of course » she stipulated, and the apprentice, appearing lost in reflection as if still
weighing the implications of his few options, turned to her, and with a quick movement of
the head indicated he was willing to proceed, « now, young one, please tell us all gathered
here in this incomparable temple, foremost of the world, do you accept to fulfil the duty
that the Valgustatud have selected for you ? » she ultimately requested.
The teenager already knew what he was going to say, yet he remained quiet a while longer,
glancing at Kasulik Sõber as if to obtain his approval. Seeing the joyful elder grin and nod positively
in the distance, the pupil could imagine his teacher repeating, { « hurry ! Hurry, young boy ! » } and he
finally made his grand declaration, after inhaling deeply.
–

« I will not rest until the Väljavalitud receive the instruction of the Suur Usujuht ! » Rahu
Lüli affirmed with impressive confidence.

And again, the majority of spectators reacted with excitement to the audacious commitment,
whispering to one another, and generally looking delighted that the potential Väljavalitud had taken
on the essential assignment with such assurance.
–

« It is most auspicious that you should respond to the call of the Valgustatud with such
determination » remarked the Soothsayer following a short, surprised silence, « may you
successfully discharge your duty ! » she cheerfully wished, « the Väljavalitud rely on you
as you can rely on them » she suggested, bowing to the novice, « now, you may return to
your place alongside the Värav Hoidja » she concluded, extending her arm gracefully in
the direction of the Gatekeeper.

The apprentice joined his hands in front of him, respectfully bowed to the woman, and then
hastened to the stairs. Leaving the arena, he watched one of the purple-robed nuns stand up and walk
to the inner circle to give a copy of the official Transcript to the Arbuja, and swiftly go back to her
seat with the other Translators. He climbed the steps proudly, and sat near the venerable monk who
greeted him with a wide smile and an admirative motion of the head.
The lady wearing white concentrated for a moment, staring at the manuscript, as the Twins
continued their harmonious intonations from outside the amphitheater. Eventually, she began to read
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the dialogue of the Valgustatud, identifying each of the Enlightened prior to speaking their lines.
â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

ÂŤ [Rhea]
Prism, O dear Prism, please listen to my plea
Prison, this damned prison, overburdening me
The Limit is too strong, The Wounded too many
This challenge is too long, release I pray of thee
[Prism]
Eldri will be helping, The Threshold is in sight
Before long my dear child you'll be free from your plight
Meanwhile do rest assured you will have enough might
But if so is your wish I will grant you respite
[Hemera]
Why is it that Rhea should endure so much pain
As if her prior tests had all been passed in vain
[Hyperion]
Could there be better means to show the way to gain
Than prevent and confine and restrict and restrain
[Themis]
Omni knows his children, of this there's no denial
Mistakes he does not make when he creates a trial
If she foregoes tension Rhea will pass in style
Now please keep observing and make your stay worthwhile
[Rhea]
Athena, my true friend, bless me with your advice
Tell me for which mistake am I paying a price
Are Prism's promises merely clever device
Illusory comforts to those she would entice
[Athena]
O Rhea, my pupil, do not give up so close
I assure you Prism is not one of your foes
[Themis]
You'll receive as promised the gifts Omni bestows
To believers who pass the tests he does impose

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[Hermes]
Opponents are merging in a single unit
The Gathering can beat and remove The Limit
Listen to your mentor, to your goal do commit
And The Congregation will uphold your spirit
[Lux]
I shall bathe you in light and soothe you with my flares
[Erg & Selene]
Our fuel we will share to free you from all cares
[Athena]
I'll make sure that nothing catches you unawares
[Hyperion & Hemera]
We extend our help like all have offered theirs
[Hermes]
The Scared are longing for what The Disciples know
The Young has already been taken by the flow
Will The Catalyst fall prey to the undertow
[Themis]
The Faithful must be spared, they must reap what they sow
[Athena]
The Fulcrum has been taught to hear The Adviser
[Prism]
And The Wise has confirmed, well knowing the latter
That this much wretched soul, ensnared by The Hunger
Is the poor Erebus, known as The Sinister
[Rhea]
Mentor, valued mentor, I don't like what I hear
Assistance I request, tempted I am by fear
Much as I'd like to trust, this part remains unclear
What do you mean by close, how far is the frontier
[Athena]
O Rhea, do not flinch, this time is liminal
The Disciples persist, their work will be fruitful
Deny the renegade, and sustain The Faithful
You soon will reach your aim, be patient beautiful

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[Themis]
Place your faith in your guide, this will bring you comfort
[Prism]
Most factors are in place, that much I can assert
[Lux]
I shall provide with warmth, so you're spared the effort
[Hyperion & Hemera & Erg & Selene]
Ask of us anything, much strain we can avert
[Prism]
The oath that was taken, long ago, is breaking
The Limit hard at work, as always, is scheming
The Wounded and The Good, selfishly, betraying
Even the trusty kin, lovingly, deceiving
[Rhea]
How come certain beings get away with murder
[Themis]
No such beings exist, seeder must be reaper
Much evil has been done, The Limit will suffer
[Rhea]
If not, I'll see to it, once this test is over
[Athena]
O Rhea, dear pupil, by rancour don't be swayed
You know better than this, don't go on a crusade
Grudges of any kind, only grudger degrade
Justice follows its course, just let the game be played
[Rhea]
I am beside myself, by the test so tensioned
Or perhaps I regress, the thought has me frightened
[Hemera]
What becomes of Rhea, has her wrath been wakened
[Hyperion]
Such unworthy conduct, is she an enlightened
[Themis]
Rhea is one of us, don't doubt her worthiness
Part of her trial is meant to uproot all meanness
The stress she is under, you two should reassess
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[Themis & Hermes & Lux & Prism]
We consider as grace, what you see as weakness »
Rahu Lüli was elated. He was experiencing that same sentiment of elevation which he felt in
the presence of his venerable instructor, yet even more acutely. The heightening of the senses was
even more pronounced, as if everything had more depth, nuances, and subtleties. He was enraptured
by the words, but still, he couldn't decipher their signification. Nevertheless, it seemed to him that
none of what he had endured to finally access the magical temple had been in vain. The unhappiness
that had caused him to leave his parents, the painful climb to the monastery, the demanding efforts
of his spiritual discipline, and even his deformity had lead him to this inconceivable place. { It has all
been worthwhile ! All of it ! } he mused, entranced by the beauty of the moment.
« [Hermes]
Backed by The Catalyst, The Plan that had been sown
Before The Gathering, expertly has been grown
And so has been The Rift, to the friends unbeknown
Before it could exist, the friendship had been thrown
[Prism]
Be grateful for Eldri, The Wise answered our call
To manage settlement and to welcome the haul
Now if The Fulcrum choose to surmount the last wall
The Gathering will rise, otherwise it will fall
[Athena]
When The Prophet completes the task undertaken
The Instrument will tip towards the one option
Which most benefits us, and pleases The Faction
Then Rhea can be freed from part of the burden
[Erg & Selene]
This choice may usher in, should we be triumphant
A new era which brings faster development
Leaps in technology, all around improvement
[Athena]
Soon it will be settled, the time is imminent
[Hermes]
An ear on The Father, The Free are on the rise
Clever at devising, but not the best of spies
Plotting as to ensure comfort for the allies
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Grow at a faster pace, and recover the prize
[Prism]
Their gaining The Desert can befit The Design
But there will be much pain if they're to taste the wine
Don't expect The Wounded to just remain supine
Yet much relief Rhea can earn from their decline
[Hemera]
The Free, for a long time, have carried their grievance
[Hyperion]
And unrelentingly, have prepared their vengeance
[Themis]
They, despite their evils, must see their allowance
Yet loss will be the cost of restoring balance
[Athena]
The Fulcrum is on course, The Decision is made
The Bond has been strengthened, the options have been weighed
The Rift has been widened, and the act has been played
Duty has been fulfilled, and debt has been repaid
[Prism]
In place, The Adviser, The Fulcrum will propel
Thus now The Gathering, The Limit can expel
[Erg & Selene]
And so it is settled, your strategy worked well
Much praise to you wise one, Athena, you excel
[Rhea]
Though it's far from over, my guide may you be blessed
I'm relieved already, I will sustain this test
[Prism]
Rhea, you are splendid, Athena, I'm impressed
You both are doing great, this much I can attest »
–
–

« [Hermes]
And away go The Young, The Silent, and The Hurt
Along The Catalyst, to harvest The Desert
Love they must discover, conflict they must avert
To attain The Powers, The Reader must exert
[Hyperion]
Had they known of their fate, when in that meeting place
They surely would have thought that we had planned the case
[Hemera]
So much significance, in such little a space
[Themis]
Don't think that it is done, they each have much to face
[Erg]
The Father and The Great, each other must support
And should they be careless, their work could be cut short
[Selene]
The Silent and The Hurt, also have much to sort
[Prism]
And their getting along is of crucial import
[Prism]
The Plan unfolds as hoped, yet much is uncertain
So much can happen still before the last curtain
Of power, The Fulcrum must fend the attraction
If not, then The Hunger will become a prison
[Themis]
The Devoted believed, they cannot be ignored
The Usher must take on the challenge untoward
The Faithful trust in us, their loss we can't afford
The Prophet did as asked and deserves just reward
[Hermes]
The Chosen must announce The Quest that is twofold
So The Usher can make, as it has been foretold
Both Leader and Master, The Devoted behold
Will The Witness reveal the way it must unfold »

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The trainee was enthralled by the Soothsayer, who once more remained silent for a moment
upon declaiming the final verse, standing still in the inner circle. The audience also kept quiet, as if
everyone in the amphitheater had been absorbed in a deep meditation, reflecting on the signification
of the conversation of the Valgustatud, while only the harmonies of the Twins resounded under the
rocky dome.
« Võite lahkuda rahus » eventually announced the white-robed nun, before proceeding
slowly to the staircase from which she had originally arrived onto the scene.
After the first few steps, the Arbuja hesitated, and then, suddenly turning around, she swiftly
walked down and straight across the arena, much to the surprise of the whole assembly. Going up
the opposite stairs, she reached the level where Rahu Lüli and Kasulik Sõber were sitting, and offered
the Transcript to the novice who accepted it with astonishment.
« If you're wise you'll know how to make the best possible use of this » the lady declared
cryptically, in a warm, maternal manner.
The apprentice watched the woman descend quickly back to the stage, climb up the stairway
on the other side, and leave the temple. The ten purple-garbed scribes hurried behind her, and as they
disappeared from view, the ring of the small bell crisply echoed one more time, signalling the end of
the chanting, and the end of the ritual. The attendees left one by one, some exiting the chamber by
the door through which the Tõlkiji Luuletajad had departed, the others via the hall that was located
just behind the student and his venerable teacher. Waiting impatiently on his seat, having evidently
lost some of his confidence in confusion ever since receiving the document, the teenager hoped that
the crowd would soon be gone so his guide could provide some much needed clarifications.
–
–
–
–

« What does it mean ? » asked the discomfited boy, holding the manuscript in his hands,
once the Tähtsaim was empty.
« What does what mean ? » calmly reacted the grinning elder.
« The dialogue » the young monk carried on, glancing at the sheets of paper, « I thought
the Arbuja would tell us what it means » he remarked, obviously much disappointed.
« She doesn't always do » answered the Värav Hoidja, « she doesn't quite know what it
means herself sometimes » he revealed with a chuckle, « only a Suur Usujuht knows » he
immediately reminded his puzzled pupil, pausing to stare at him, « then again, she gave
you the Transcript » the Gatekeeper continued, « maybe that's what it means » he hinted,
smiling and indicating the writings.

The trainee looked at his instructor. He didn't know what to make of his last statement. He
reflexively directed his gaze to the enigmatic document and began to read, but as he did he started
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fearing that his duty probably wouldn't be as simple as he had supposed.
–
–
–
–
–

« I don't understand » Rahu Lüli admitted, « is the identity of the Great Leader hidden in
there ? » he inquired, restless.
« Perhaps it is » Kasulik Sõber responded, « perhaps it is not » he added at once, « I don't
know » he ultimately commented in a friendly tone.
« But if it is not » the upset novice went on, « then why would the Soothsayer give it to
me ? » he questioned, manifestly baffled.
« I don't know » reiterated the teacher, « perhaps she doesn't know either » he chortled,
seemingly not concerned at all with the difficulty his interlocutor was facing.
« Wouldn't it be easier to check with everyone at the monastery if they can decipher the
verses ? » the increasingly frustrated apprentice wondered after sighing loudly.

Upon hearing the query, the guide opened his eyes wider, as if suddenly realizing that the boy
had somehow missed one crucial element.
–

–
–

–
–

« Considering your oath, it might very well be much harder » submitted the experienced
religious, the teenager nodding in agreement as he recollected his vow, « and you would
be assuming the Suur Usujuht is already among us » he pointed out in the kindliest voice
he could.
« You mean it's not one of the monks ? » exclaimed the surprised student.
« Perhaps it is » the elder replied, « or perhaps it is one of the nuns » he mentioned right
away, « or perhaps it is neither » he proposed, this time avoiding to laugh as he sensed his
pupil was reaching the limit of his tolerance.
« You mean, it could even be one of the laymen who sometimes visit us ? » hazarded the
exasperated trainee.
« I mean that it could be anybody... in... the whole world » the Värav Hoidja confirmed as
tactfully as he could following a tense silence, « it could be any sentient being... in... the
whole cosmos » he gravely observed soon after, feeling the building despair of the young
man sitting next to him, and seeing it in his expression.

Rahu Lüli remained speechless for a while, progressively filled with consternation as he was
finally getting what the Gatekeeper had been trying to convey. Pondering the scope of the task that
had been appointed to him, the endeavour he had so confidently and so naively accepted, he rapidly
found himself on the brink of breaking into tears.
« Don't worry, young boy » Kasulik Sõber reassuringly intervened, putting one hand on
the shoulder of the novice, « others have been required to do the same thing in the past,
and they have succeeded » he continued in a fatherly fashion, « remember what you have
learned from the Kirjast, the Valgustatud will always help you, always » he stressed with
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conviction, « we... the Chosen Ones are here to advise you » he lastly offered, in a more
relaxed manner.
The words of the venerable monastic had somewhat pacified the apprentice. His dismay had
been allayed by the support of his teacher, still, he was having a hard time keeping the discouraging
thoughts at bay.
–
–

« But how am I supposed to find him ? » the teenager carried on after a moment.
« I'm guessing that not assuming it's a man would be a good start ! » hinted the instructor,
chuckling and pausing to let the notion sink in, « how about letting the Enlightened Ones
guide you ? » he then suggested.

The student suddenly recalled what the Soothsayer had told him. The details of his mission
would come to him as he would attend the rituals. Things would get clearer. And as he regained his
composure, his enthusiasm returned. It didn't have to be problematic. He could take it one step at a
time. The process could be eye-opening, and for all he knew, it could even be fun. The cloud of gloom
slowly dissipating, the pupil became aware again of the papers he was holding, and they reminded
him of what had caused his torment. What was he expected to do about the Transcript ?
–
–

–

–
–
–
–

« What would you do with the manuscript if you were me ? » the clever trainee inquired
after some deliberation.
« Good ! » reacted the grinning Gatekeeper, « you're being wiser already ! » he chortled
before considering the question, « if I were you... I would put it in a safe place until I was
certain what to do with it ! » he hazarded, laughing softly.
« Makes sense » Rahu Lüli eventually approved, resigning himself to the idea although he
would have liked to receive more substantial direction, « here, you take it » he declared
right away, smiling proudly as he handed the document to the astonished elder, « there's
no point in taking it back with me anyhow » he reasoned decisively.
« If you say so » responded the jolly religious once the surprise had subsided, consenting
to the assignment.
« I think I better learn Kõrgi now » the novice cheerfully submitted, visibly relieved.
« Excellent ! » Kasulik Sõber exclaimed, « I'll show you where to begin ! » he added with
excitement as he rose from his seat.
« Okay ! » playfully agreed the apprentice.

The teenager also stood up, and the two monks promptly exited the Tähtsaim.

★
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About the Series

A

t the turn of the century, Ovel must face the consequences of its accelerated growth. One

hundred and twenty seven federated countries and eleven sovereign nations, spread across the
homeland and in colonies settled onboard orbiting stations and on a nearby planet. Fourteen billion
inhabitants struggling to thrive under the rule of a corrupted Global Government, in power for over
forty years.
Fuelled by a recent scientific finding, the once in a lifetime discovery of a discontinuity in the
cosmic fabric of the neighbouring space, a coalition of politicians is willing to stand up for the people
and radically change things.
Now relegated to the ranks of an obscure sect, the once dominant Community and its
disciples must effectively handle the requirements of the Celestials to ensure that the most
favourable of all possible destinies comes to pass.
Meanwhile, halfway across the world, a young monk must learn to collaborate with the
Enlightened Ones in order to successfully discharge the essential task he has accepted to fulfil in
behalf of his monastery.
Will the crucial 2206 electoral campaign climax on the emergence of a charismatic Progressive
leader, or will the decried Chancellor prevail despite the many forces scheming for his downfall ?
On a background of environmental and financial crises, and religious influences intertwining
with political manoeuvres to determine the fate of the overpopulated orb, The Threshold chronicles
the evolution of the Ovelian civilization as it heads towards unprecedented upheaval.

â&#x2DC;&#x2026;
The Complete Edition of The Threshold - 2206 : Window Onto A New World is available in
the following locations
Kindle Format on Amazon
ePub Format on Lulu

About the Author

C

hristopher Stewart loves to try his hand at various artistic endeavours, but if there's one
discipline he's perfecting, it must be the art of blooming late.

He has studied for a long time, played football even longer, spent a significant part of his adult
life developing software on a full-time basis and invested what remained in the pursuit of his ideal of
creating meaningful music in the context of a rock ensemble.
He has founded the prolific yet still album-less Quebec-based progressive rock outfit Poligraf
in 1998 and has never been quite the same since.
He has been practising Buddhism dead-seriously since the mid 90s, until he finally awakened
to the fact that it teaches living happiness.
His interests range from psychology, physics, and philosophy, to mysticism, divination, the
arts and the creative process, and, obviously, multitasking and clichés.
Pick any task, tag it with the word « impossible, » assign it to him, and he’ll be hard at work
for years before the first suspicion finally pops in his mind.

Credits
Chapter Titles
The titles are meant as a tribute to the musicians. Special thanks to the members of Yes for
their musical genius, and to Jon Anderson in particular for sharing his vision with the world.
Fonts
Linux Libertine : http://www.linuxlibertine.org/
Vollkorn : http://friedrichalthausen.de/
Philosopher : http://jovanny.ru/
BorisBlackBoxx : http://manfred-klein.ina-mar.com/
Quirkus : http://www.peter-wiegel.de/
Ubuntu : http://font.ubuntu.com/
Liberation : from the Fedora Linux Distribution : http://fedoraproject.org/
Images
Etter Studio : Ama Dablam and Imja valley seen from the same photo point in 2007
Cfynn : Tachog Temple
Software
Open Office : http://www.openoffice.org/
FreeMind : http://freemind.sourceforge.net/
The Timeline Project : http://thetimelineproj.sourceforge.net/
Gimp : http://www.gimp.org/
Blender : http://www.blender.org/
References
Most of my book design questions have found an answer on Joel Friedlander's The Book
Designer : http://www.thebookdesigner.com/